Chart: Bani Helal Tribe Hierarchy

The Bani Helal is a large tribal group in northern Shabwah, which includes several sub-tribes. Geographic and genealogical proximity do not create harmony, however. Members of the Bani Atef, a Bani Helal sub-tribe, became embroiled in a feud in November 2012 with members of another Bani Helal sub-tribe due to a matter of a love affair between members of the respective groups, according to local reporting.[1]  This and other instances of inter- and intra-tribal fighting raise serious questions about the challenges posed by relying on local tribes to protect U.S. interests in Yemen.

Click graphic to enlarge.

Sources

“Belhareth Tribe,” Hadramawt Forum, September 11, 2006 [Arabic]. Available: http://www.hdrmut.net/vb/showthread.php?t=218235

“Names of Shabwah tribes and their areas,” Sky Shabwa, August 2, 2010 [Arabic]. Available: http://www.skyshabwa.com/vb/showthread.php?t=3339

“Question about the Bani Halal,” Shabwah Forum, January 13, 2007 [Arabic]. Available: http://forum.sh3bwah.maktoob.com/t58374.html

“Tribes of Abyan,” Hadramawt Forum, November 4, 2009 [Arabic]. Available: http://www.hdrmut.net/vb/t301337.html